How Does a VA Loan Work?

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What’s a VA loan?

It is a guaranteed loan that helps service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses achieve affordable homeownership. The Veteran Affairs (VA) loan was established in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. With well over 20 million veterans and active service personnel eligible for VA financing — there’s a strong demand for VA loan benefits.

Complete list of benefits

There are many advantages to this attractive loan program that are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies.

Eligible home buyers are not required to have a down payment; however, an earnest money deposit may be required

No prepayment penalties and VA buyers can pay off a loan early without penalties

Three refinance options available:

Homeowners with an existing VA loan to refinance into an IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) with a new interest rate and lower their monthly mortgage payment.

Refinance to get cash out for any reason to include but not limited to debt consolidation, home improvements, and savings.

Eligible homeowners who financed their home with another loan can refinance into the VA loan program

Access to an assumable mortgage — essentially a transferable loan pending VA and/or lender approval, but the assuming party must be eligible to receive VA loan benefits

The VA home loan can be used multiple times on current property or for the purchase of a new home; however, reinstatement may be required through the VA Regional Loan Center and bonus entitlement used

The VA will advocate on behalf of homeowners to avoid potential foreclosures

Eligibility for a VA loan

To be eligible, you or your spouse must have served one of the following conditions below and discharged accordingly.

Minimum of 181 continuous days of service during peacetime

Minimum of 90 days of service during wartime

Minimum of 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves

Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be other than dishonorable conditions

Home occupancy requirements

According to VA Loan and Guaranty guidelines, “the law requires a veteran obtaining a VA-guaranteed loan to certify that he or she intends to occupy the property as his or her home personally.” Therefore, home buyers getting a VA loan must live in the home as their primary residence.

However, after a certain period of time, the VA does allow a borrower’s former primary residence to be rented out. In this case, borrowers may not have to refinance out of the VA loan should they be deployed or have a permanent change of station to another station.

In most cases, home occupancy must be met within 60 days of the mortgage closing. Proof of primary residence is also required.

Exceptions to the rules

Military members can live more complicated lives than most, so there are everyday situations where home occupancy rules can be bent.

Deployed service member: Service members who are deployed from their duty station are permitted to purchase a home in their place of permanent residence.

Spouse and/or dependent child: Some active military members are VA loan eligible but are on active duty and away from their permanent residence. If this is the case, the spouse or dependent child of the service member can occupy the home and satisfy the occupancy requirement.

Also, if the VA home buyer is no longer in the military but is temporarily away for work-related reasons, a spouse or dependent child can satisfy the home occupancy requirement.

Retiring service member: If a service member plans on retiring within 12 months after applying for a VA loan, they can negotiate for a later move-in date. A retiring veteran must include a copy of their retirement application and retirement income for VA lenders to consider the request.

Home improvement: Some homes financed with VA loans need repairs or improvements. If this is the case, the reasonable time of expected home occupancy can be extended. However, VA home buyers need to certify their intent to occupy or reoccupy upon completion of the improvements.

Unusual circumstances: If your circumstance doesn’t match one of the above situations, you can submit a description of your case to the VA for approval.

Although the VA offers these exceptions, lenders can have their own standards that might affect home occupancy requirements. Schedule an appointment with a qualified VA lender like American Financing to be sure.

Underwriting requirements

Unlike other loan programs, the VA doesn’t require a minimum credit score for a VA loan. Lenders generally have internal requirements. Most mortgage lenders want an applicant with a credit score of 620 or higher.

Applicants also must show sufficient income to repay the home loan and shouldn’t have a heavy debt load. VA loan guidelines are usually more flexible than other loan types to help with eligibility. For example, veterans can use their home loan benefits a year or two after bankruptcy or foreclosure.

The limit on VA loans varies by county. Loan limits range from $453,100 up to $679,650 in high-cost areas in the continental United States as of 2018. They are based on median home prices and can change annually.

VA loan Certificate of Eligibility

Lenders require proof of eligibility before applying for a VA loan. Applicants must get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and meet the eligibility criteria we touched on earlier.

VA loan payment assistance

Another benefit of VA loans is the assistance and counseling offered to struggling borrowers. The VA can negotiate with the lender on behalf of the borrower in case of hardship and provide financial advice. Their counselors can help borrowers negotiate payment plans, loan modifications, and other alternatives to foreclosure.

How can I apply?

Once you have your certificate of eligibility (COE), you can apply for the VA loan. The application process is straightforward with American Financing. We’re a rising member of the VA's list of top 300 mortgage lenders and committed to providing affordable housing for our military members. Get the most out of your VA loan benefits with American Financing and contact us today!